Gaudí: fairy-tale architecture

The Sagrada Familia

Casa Batlló House

Güell Park

If there is one artist who was able to invent a whole new world of fascinating shapes and colours through his architecture, then this is Antoni Gaudí. A unique, universal artist who we recommend you discover. Come and see his most famous works such as the Sagrada Familia Church, Güell Park, Casa Milà House or “El Capricho”. Where? In Spain, of course.

Everyone who stands before one of Gaudí’s works has the same sensation: the structures take on shapes from nature and their beauty is all-consuming. Gaudí was one of the great representatives of Modernism and he revolutionised the canons of architecture. This is why some of his work has been granted the World Heritage designation by UNESCO. Come and join us on a magical journey through Spain in search of his finest creations – they are to be found in several different locations:

Catalonia , Gaudí’s great symbol

Firstly we would recommend a very special visit: Reus (in Tarragona province, northeastern Spain), the town where the artist was born. There you will find symbolic sites such as his birth house, the church where he was baptised and the school he went to. Furthermore, in the “Gaudí Centre” interactive museum there are 1,200 square metres dedicated to the architect, with reconstructions of his works you can interact with.

Have you entered the Gaudí-esque world of fantasy yet? Well from Reus, make a journey of just 100 kilometres to Barcelona, the city where Gaudí’s dreams became reality and reached their pinnacle of splendour. A stroll around this modern metropolis on the shores of the Mediterranean is like looking at the city through Gaudí’s eyes, because you will find emblematic works by him in key spots, such as the Basilica of La Sagrada Familia with its stunning towers reaching more than 100 metres into the air. Did you know that Gaudí spent 40 years working on this internationally famous building? Neither should you miss the original fireplaces of Casa Milà House, the colours of the façade at Casa Batlló House, the elegant Güell Palace, Casa Calvet House, Casa Vicens House… You will be captivated.

For a panoramic view of Barcelona, nothing better than a visit to Güell Park, a real terrace looking out to sea designed by Gaudí. You will love strolling amidst the vegetation, while meandering benches and reptiles that are actually fountains reflect the Mediterranean sunshine in a host of different colours. A magical atmosphere, unique in the world.

Remember that there are other places around Catalonia with works by Gaudí, besides Barcelona, such as the Crypt at the Colonia Güell, with its spectacular twisted columns, in Santa Coloma de Cervelló, or the Güell Winery building on the Costa Barcelona.

Cantabria

There is also a big Gaudí surprise awaiting you in this part of northern Spain, facing the Cantabrian Sea. We are talking about the Capricho de Gaudí, in Comillas, a summer residence with strange, dream-like architecture. Its columns with decorated capitals, the combination of brick and ceramics, its spiral staircase and its wrought iron balconies will not leave you indifferent.

Castile-Leon

In inland Spain now, the Region of Castile-León is another destination where Gaudí put all his imagination to work. Specifically we would suggest a visit to the city of León (in León province), where you will find Casa Botines House, also known as Gaudí Palace. You will love this neo-Gothic building with medieval inspiration. Finally, keep some time for a trip to the Episcopal Palace in Astorga (also León province). Its stained glass windows make it look like something out of a fairy tale.

All these buildings are wonders in their own right that will open up your senses to a weird and wonderful fantasy world. So now you just have to choose which route to follow. Wherever you go you will discover the legacy of a genius who was way ahead of his time.
If you found this article interesting, check more information at:
-Güell Park: nature’s architecture
-The Sagrada Familia Cathedral, universal symbol of Barcelona